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The Best Picks at Each Draft Spot since 1985
5th Overall Pick
Kevin Garnett (1995)
By: Minnesota Timberwolves
One of the players I would not want to meet in a dark alley after a bad game. Garnett, most notably known for his trash talk, could back it up and then some. Garnett a NBA champion in 2008, NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2004 was a 15 time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2003, was also selected to four All-NBA First Teams.
Honorable Mention: Dwayne Wade (2003)
By: Miami Heat
Before he injuries weighed him down, Wade was the heart and core of a Miami Heat team that didn’t have the best talent, but had the grit. Wade’s individual honors include a being a three time NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, a crazy 12 time NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP and last but not least two All-NBA First Team honors.
4th Overall Pick
Dikembe Mutumbo (1990)
By: Denver Nuggets
Known for his signature finger wag after blocking a shot, Mutumbo became known for more than just a gesture.”Not in My House” Mutumbo was an eight time NBA All-Star, four time All-Defensive Player and led the NBA in blocks for three consecutive years.
Honorable Mention: Rasheed Wallace (1995)
By: Washington Bullets
Wallace is a big reason the Pistons won the NBA title in 2004, his never say die attitude was central to the underdog Pistons beating the Lakers in five games. In addition to being a four time NBA All Star, Wallace was voted Mr. Basketball USA in 1993.
3rd Overall Pick
Pau Gasol (2001)
By: Atlanta Hawks
Gasol was the first foreign player to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award and his career only went up. A two time NBA champion and six time NBA All-Star, Gasol started his playing career at 16 with Barcelona’s junior team before getting drafted in 2001 by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Honorable Mention: James Harden (2009)
By: Oklahoma City Thunder
His defense might not be the best part of his game, but leaving OKC has done wonders for him starting his own brand. Harden is a five time NBA All-Star and three time All-NBA First Team selection with an Olympic and World Cup gold medal to his name.
2nd Overall Pick
Kevin Durant (2007)
By: Seattle Supersonics
Some criticize him for his decision to join the GSW, while others think he is just following a trend. Either way, KD is one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA now, regardless of the colors on his jersey. In 10 years in the NBA, Durant has eight All-Star selections, five All-NBA First Team selections and four scoring titles.
Honorable Mention: Gary Payton (1990)
By: Seattle Supersonics
“The Glove” as he is known, was selected to nine straight All-NBA teams and was 1/2 of one of the best combo’s all time with Shawn Kemp, together forming the”Sonic Boom”. He has two Olympic Gold Medals and was the first guard in eight years to win the NBA Defensive Play of the Year Award.
1st Overall Pick
LeBron James (2003)
By: Cleveland Cavaliers
Everyone and their mother has heard the James vs Jordan on who is the greatest basketball player ever. He might not have gotten five or six or seven or eight championships in Miami, but he promised his city a title and delivered.
Honorable Mention: Patrick Ewing (1985)
By: New York Knicks
Ewing, an NCAA Champion, has too many awards and honors to fit on this page so here are the highlights: Rookie of the year in 1986, All-NBA First Team in 1990, 11-Time All-Star, 2-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and 10th player all time to record 22,000 points and 10,000 rebounds. Plus, he did all this after his talents were stolen by the Monstars.
Who knows, in the next few years we could see a few of these names replaced by the present.